Brayden Burries’ action as an Arizona Wildcat has all been in scrimmages or exhibitions thus far, but that’s not stopping the sensational freshman from garnering some national attention ahead of opening day next week. On Tuesday, Brayden Burries was named to the Jerry West Award Preseason Watch List.
The Jerry West Award, named after of the most prolific collegiate and professional shooters of all time, recognizes the top shooting guard in college basketball annually. Burries is one of 20 players, as well as one of five Big 12 student-athletes, recognized on the preseason watch list. Other Big 12 players include Richie Saunders (BYU), Emanuel Sharp (Houston), PJ Haggerty (Kansas State), and Anthony Roy (Oklahoma State).
Since the award’s inception in 2015, no player in Arizona program history has received the award.
In Arizona’s three unofficial contests this season, Burries has dazzled at all three levels, showing off his dynamic scoring from anywhere on the court. In the Red-Blue Showcase, Burries had a team-high 22 points on 7-11 shooting, including 4-7 from beyond the arc, including a 17-point second half explosion which led to a 45-44 win for the Red Team. Against Saint Mary’s, Burries finished with 10 points, connecting on 5-of-7 field goals. On Monday, he hit 5-of-9 field goals and 3-of-4 free throws, contributing 13 points in the Wildcats’ 113-42 exhibition win over Embry-Riddle. In addition to scoring, Burries is also creating challenges for opposing offenses, while helping facilitate his own, averaging 4.0 rebounds, 1.67 assists, and 1.33 steals per game.
Burries’ first real test comes less than a week from now, when Arizona heads to Las Vegas for a battle against the defending national champion Florida Gators on November 3.